Lake Elsinore Unified School District With roots going back to schools that opened in the late 1800s, the Lake Elsinore Unified School District is one of oldest public school systems in Southern California. Covering more than 140 square miles in Southwest Riverside County, the district serves the cities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake and Wildomar and several unincorporated communities, including Lakeland Village and Horsethief Canyon. The district serves nearly 22,000 students at 13 elementary schools, two K-8 schools, four middle schools, three comprehensive high schools and four alternative schools. With more than 3,000 permanent and substitute employees, Lake Elsinore Unified is one of the biggest employers in the region. For the 2010-11 school year, the district's adopted operating budget is $153.7 million. Lake Elsinore Unified schools have performed exceptionally well under the state and federal student accountability systems. To take a look at the most recent numbers, click here. In the last five years, LEUSD has had 11 schools named California Distinguished Schools. In addition, three schools have recently received the Title I Academic Achievement Award and one school, Withrow Elementary School, is a finalist for the national Blue Ribbon School award program.